Volleyball training apparatus and method

Abstract

A volleyball practice device and method that enables a player to practice spiking a volleyball. The device includes a tether with an attachment device at one end that enables the tether be attached to a regulation play volleyball. The tether is suspended from a support bracket that can be attached to a basketball hoop. The tether is used to hoist the volleyball to a height that is appropriate to practice spiking. The tether is then placed in a quick release mechanism, wherein the weight of the suspended volleyball keeps the tether taut in between the volleyball and the quick release mechanism. As the volleyball is spiked, the tether detaches from the quick release mechanism. The volleyball therefore travels in the direction that it was spiked without being significantly hampered by the attached tether. The tail end of the tether is anchored. After the volleyball travels a predetermined distance, the tether pulls taut and the volleyball is stopped. The volleyball can then be returned to its hoisted position by the tether and readied for another practice spike.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for suspending a volleyball from a basketball hoop assembly of the type having a vertical backboard and a horizontal hoop, said device comprising: a first pulley element and a second pulley element;   a bracket selectively attachable to a basketball hoop, wherein said bracket supports said first pulley element a first predetermined distance from the backboard and supports said second pulley element above the first pulley element a second predetermined distance from the backboard, wherein said second predetermined distance is greater than said first predetermined distance;   a tether having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein said tether passes over said first pulley element and said second pulley element, whereby said first end of said tether is suspended from said second pulley element;   a coupling element disposed at said first end of said tether for coupling said tether to a volleyball;   a quick release mechanism for engaging said tether at a point in between said first end and said second end and preventing the movement of said tether along its length until a predetermined force is applied to said first end of said tether, whereby said quick release mechanism releases said tether and enable said tether to move along its length.   
     
     
       2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said coupling element includes a net structure for receiving the volleyball. 
     
     
       3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first pulley element is supported by said bracket at the same general level as the basketball hoop. 
     
     
       4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bracket includes an arm that supports said second pulley element, wherein said arm is part of a spring configuration that enables said arm to resiliently deform when stressed. 
     
     
       5. The device according to claim 1, further including at least one hook element that engages both said bracket and the basketball hoop, thereby affixing the bracket to the basketball hoop. 
     
     
       6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bracket is a generally U-shaped structure having two free ends, wherein said first pulley element and said second pulley element are affixed to said two free ends of said U-shaped structure, respectively. 
     
     
       7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said two free ends of said U-shaped structure are a spaced apart and said U-shaped structure embodies a spring constant that enable the space between the two free ends to elastically vary as said U-shaped structure is stressed. 
     
     
       8. The device according to claim 1, further including at least one hook projection extending from said bracket that engages the hoop when said bracket is placed on said hoop. 
     
     
       9. The device according to claim 8, further including at least one hooked bolt that extends through a portion of said bracket, wherein said hooked bolt is adapted to engage the basketball hoop and affix the bracket to the basketball hoop when tightened. 
     
     
       10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said quick release mechanism is a spring clip that engages said tether. 
     
     
       11. The device according to claim 1, further including segments of hook and loop fastening material on said tether. 
     
     
       12. The device according to claim 11, wherein said quick release mechanism includes a stationary segment of hook and loop fastening material that can be used to selectively engage the hook and loop fastening material on said tether.